Meijer, Inc.

Indiana-based Ben's Soft Pretzels is planning to open 25 new Chicago-area stores by 2021.

The company currently has six Illinois locations across greater Chicago and Rockford. Ben's previously had a location on the Near West Side; that location closed more than a year ago. In total, it has 75 locations in eight states, with 20 more in development this year.

Ben's said it is looking for franchisees to invest in the planned Chicago-area locations. It estimates the investment can range anywhere from $118,500 to $332,000.

It's scouting locations at enclosed and open-air malls and in Wal-Mart and Meijer stores.

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